July 7 - Senior Football: Aidan McAnespies v Galway

Aidan McAnespies 2-8 Galway 1-7

It was a hard fought encounter between Galway and Aidan McAnespies in a game that each side badly needed to maintain an interest in the championship.  On a hot, energy sapping Sunday afternoon it was Aidan McAnespies who made the breakthrough near the end to secure the points.  The game was still up for grabs entering the final minutes but a moment of brilliance from Jamie Doolan tipped the balance to McAnespies with seconds left in the contest.  Doolan played a ball that beat the cover and found Cian Tobin and substitute David McKenna in a 2 on one on the goalkeeper.  McKenna had the final touch and Macs are still in the picture for the playoffs next month.

Anton McFadden on the ball for Galway.

It took Aidan McAnespies 17 minutes to register their first score of the game, however, once the gate was opened a goal and 3 points without a response from Galway was what followed.  The Galway full back line did well in the early going in keeping Cian Tobin and Jamie Doolan under wraps.  McAnespies assisted in that cause by overhitting the ball into the full forward line at times.  In spite of had plenty of possession the northerners had nothing to show for it on the scoreboard.  Galway went into a 3 points to no score lead thanks to the free taking of Barry Coffey.  After Tobin's score just over half way into the first period, Doolan hit two hard earned points from play.  Frankie Burke put McAnespies into a one point lead before McAnespies benefited from a poor Galway kickout to put a goal on the board.  Doolan won the ball about 25 yards from goal and gave it to Tobin who finished easily.  Galway's tactics of hitting Conor McGreanor at full forward eventually paid off just before half time.  After winning a long ball, McGreanor was pulled back in the penalty box.  Coffey struck the spot kick well and at the break it was a one point game, Galway 1-3 McAnespies 1-4.

Mark Treanor tries to reach past Eoghan Kavanagh
for the ball.

The game was up for grabs in the second half.  After Galway tipped the scales every so slightly in their own favour with a 2 point opening, McAnespies leveled matters with a Frankie Burke free.  It was frantic stuff as each side jockeyed for the advantage.  Fresh legs were brought in to try and swing the game by both teams.  Luke Kelly and David McKenna came in for McAnespies, while Galway brought in Mark Kenny, Fergal Durkan, and Rob Lyons.  Durkan saw plenty of the ball and Galway looked like they just might pull off the win.  Coffey pointed twice from frees to give Galway the edge heading into the final quarter.  As the heat took its toll on the energy levels on the field, McAnespies rallied put three points over the bar without reply to take a one point lead.  As Galway tried to respond the tribesmen were hit with a late blow.  Doolan played a brilliant ball over the top and found the incoming Tobin who dished off to David McKenna and the Crossmaglen man just had to finish it off to make it a four point score game.  With 2 scores between the teams and seconds left the window closed for Galway, with McAnespies still very much in the championship hunt.

Macs:  P. Coakley, N. Gallen, E. Rigney, D. Lally, N. McGovern, E. Delmar, S. Sherry (0-1), M. Treanor, C. O'Neill (0-1), F. Burke (0-4), D. Brolly, C. Tobin (1-1), J. Doolan (0-2).  Sub: D. McKenna (1-0).  Galway:  M. O'Connor, J. Flynn-O'Connor, N. Freeman, A. McFadden, M. McGinley, D. Reddin, J. Campbell, E. Kavanagh, P. Nolan, K. Cummins, B. Coffey (1-6), C. McGreanor (0-1), A. Kelly.

By Rory O'Donnell

July 7 - Junior A1 Football: Wolfe Tones v Aidan McAnespies

Aidan McAnespies 1-9 Wolfe Tones 6-10

Wolfe Tones struck 6 goals in an emphatic victory over arch rivals Aidan McAnespies and find themselves top of the table with Donegal after 3 games.  After an evenly contested first half the Tones pulled away in the last 15 minutes of the second with 4 goals.  Some fine kicking by Brian Thornton and a hat trick of goals from Sean Kelly contributed to another win for the Tones over their nemesis.

Brian Thornton on the move again for the Tones

There were 2 goals between the sides at the end of the first 30 minutes.  The Tones started and finished the half well, and in between McAnespies strung together 5 unanswered points.  After the Tones put 2 points over the bar, Sean Kelly hit with a goal to have the Tones up by 5 inside 10 minutes.  The Tones added to their lead as McAnespies struggled to come to grips with the game.  Additional scores from Sean Dalton and Thornton had the Tones up by 8 points, 1-6 to a point.  Then came the McAnespies run.  John Flaherty at center back lifted the side with some good running on the ball, while Enda Hamill and Tom Tuite also did well on the half back line.  Nigel Regan, Benny Morgan, Craig Oliver, and Hamill accounted for 5 points between them and McAnespies were back in touch with just the goal separating the sides.  McAnespies suffered a setback at precisely the wrong time conceding a goal just before half time.  A bad kickout went straight into the hands of Thornton who just had to beat the keeper and the Kilcock man buried the ball.  At the break it was the Tones up by 7, 2-7 to 0-6.

John Flaherty tries to rally his side
and skips past Jonathan Carroll.

Early in the second half, McAnespies Shane Lynn and Regan pegged the lead back to 5 points.  But after Gavin Walsh pointed for the Tones Thornton netted with a great finish using the outside of his right boot.  Cian McEnroe got the goal right back to keep hopes alive for the Macs, but the score signaled a flurry of scores for the Tones who had a strong finish to the game.  Thornton pointed twice with lovely efforts, Shane O'Brien netted a goal after entering the fray, and Sean Kelly goaled twice late in the half to round out a hat trick.  The Tones will face Donegal next week to determine the top dog in the junior division.

Macs:  R. McCrystal, E. Boland, A. Fearson, T. Tuite, J. Flaherty, E. Hamill (0-1), B. Morgan (0-1), S. Lynn (0-1), J. McGourty, G. McAlinden, C. Oliver (0-1), N. Regan (0-3), C. McEnroe (1-2).  Tones:  C. Malone, B. Egan, K. Gill, P. Collins, K. O'Regan (0-1), I. McLaughlin, J. Carroll, A. McEnerney, B. Thornton (2-5), G. Molloy, S. Kelly (3-0), G. Walsh (0-1), S. Dalton. (0-3).  Sub: S. O'Brien (1-0).

By Rory O'Donnell

June 30 - Senior Hurling: Tipperary v Fr. Tom Burke's

Tipperary 0-17 Fr. Tom Burke's 0-11

Tipperary made it two out of two after making it through a stiff challenge from Fr. Tom Burke's.  Tom's played it close for 50 minutes, but lacked a little bit of penetration while Tipp played tidier hurling, and their ability to point from distance proved the difference.

Ronan Burke tries to lift with Kieran Morris in attendance.

It was a closely contested opening 30 minutes between the sides.  Tom's played with a keen sense of urgency and may have been slightly disappointed not to have come away with a higher return than the 4 points on the scoreboard.  James Logue did manage to pull off a fantastic save from center forward Joe Carroll who fired low and to the keeper's right a minute into the game.  A goal at that stage would certainly have given Tom's a lift from the get go.  Tipp pointed a handful of times from distance, while Tom's tried to work the ball in closer to the target but got swallowed up by a resolute Tipp defence on most occasions.  The score of the half was a sideline by Shane Howley for Tom's from 65 yards, a shot that resembled a 4 iron on the golf course.  It was Tipp however who found that spot more often.  Peadar Boran and Denis Maher each pointed from distance to end the half, while a handful for Kieran Morris frees provided Tipp with a three point cushion at the break, 0-7 to 0-4.

Eanna Murray (11) and Tom Bowe challenge.

The second half played out to a similar script as the first.  Eanna Murray and Denis Maher in the Tipp half forward line winning plenty of ball and each converted scores of a similar nature in quick succession.  Clean fetches by each player that were driven over the bar typified the difference between the teams.  Tom's continued to work hard but did not have the penetration of their opponents when within the 50 yard line.  Tom's slipped behind by 5 points but managed to get within a goal with points from Joe Carroll and David O'Mahoney.  Tipp restored the lead with a pair from Morris and extended it to two scores after Boran pointed nicely with 5 minutes to go.  Tipp saw it out and looked impressive in the face of a determined Fr. Tom's challenge.  Galway will provide a big test for the Premier men in next Sunday's showdown.

Tom's:  E. Fleming, G. Joyce, R. Burke, T. Bowe, B. Harding, S. Coughlan, M. Deegan, D. Lafferty, S. Howley (0-4), J. Carroll (0-3), M. Dervan, D. O'Mahoney (0-2), C. Joyce-Power.  Sub: A. McEnrey (0-2).  Tipp:  J. Logue, M. Power, S. Stanton, A. McGrath, R. O'Donnell, G. Brennan (0-1), C. Dempsey (0-1), S. O'Connor (0-1), C. Flynn, D. Maher (0-4), E. Murray (0-3), K. Morris (0-5), P. Boran (0-2).  Sub:  C. Looby (0-1).

By Rory O'Donnell

June 30 -Senior Football: Connemara Gaels v Shannon Blues

Shannon Blues 0-15 Connemara Gaels 1-6

Referee Colm Schwer had a tough assignment on his hands as it was a much anticipated game between the Blues and the Gaels.  Some questions were answered and others being asked after the Blues secured a convincing 6 point win.  The Blues were clearly up for the game after last week's draw against Kerry, while the Gaels may have been complacent after a big win in their last game.  In the end the Blues proved to be too strong for the Gaels who made a last gasp attempt to turn the tide, but it was not enough to turn a Blues team that were focused on getting the job done.

Darragh Treacy tries to keep ahead of Enda Gorman.

It was hard hitting stuff in the first half with the Blues ending the first period with a decided advantage.  The Blues defenders were up for the challenge of stopping a formidable Gaels forward line, and limited them to 2 points over 30 minutes.  At the other end the Blues made hay with the possession to their forward line.  Barry John Keane converted 3 times, Anthony Duffy and Darren Dolan also added to the Blues column as the Gaels back line were under heavy pressure for most of the half.  At the break it was the Blues ahead by 5 points, 0-7 to 0-2, the Gaels points coming from Kevin McGrath and Damien Comer who were given no room over the first period.

Barry John Keane lines up a point.

The Blues continued to keep the door locked in the second half.  The midfield pairing of Tony Taylor and Barry Hartnett won plenty of ball and the Blues were first to the breaks.  It was one way traffic for 20 minutes and the Blues pointed 6 times to the Gaels 2.  Hopes faded among the Gaels supporters in the crowd as it became clear that the Blues were simply outplaying their side.  Three more points came from the boot of Keane, Taylor, Duffy and Sean Moriarty, who finished a sweeping move extended the Blues lead to 9 points.  After making several substitutions to add some robustness around the middle of the field, the Gaels lifted their game and ate into the Blues lead, but time was on the side of the Blues.  An Ian Burke goal raised Gaels hopes, and even more so when followed by points from Graham and McGrath.  What seemed an impossible lead to overcome was down to points, though with 2 minutes to go hopes were still slim.  The final critical scores went to the Blues however.  Kieran Hurley, who entered as a sub, and Duffy sealed the fate of the Gaels with a point each, and it is the Blues who are joint top of the table with Christopher's after 4 games.

Blues:  D. O'Brien, K. Hartnet, G. Ryan, P. Domican, S. Brosnan, S. Moriarty (0-1), B. Hartnett, T. Taylor (0-1), A. Duffy (0-5), D. Treacy, D. Doolan (0-1), C. McHugh, BJ Keane (0-6).  Sub: K. Hurley (0-1).  Gaels:  E. Connolly, K. O'Donnell, S. Conneely, C. Seoighe, E. Gorman, P. Varley, R. Hyde, N. Graham (0-2), M. Lundy, D. Comer (0-1), C. Mulryan, K. McGrath (0-3), Ian Burke (1-0).

 

By Rory O'Donnell

June 30 - Senior Football: Galway v Christopher's

Christopher's 4-12 Galway 2-9

This was an important game for Galway in order to maintain hopes of winning a place in the playoffs in August.  After a good first half where the Westerners really should have had a better return for their efforts, Christopher's raised their game a gear and came away with a comfortable win in the end. 

Christopher's Padraig Lucey and Galway's
Jason Campbell rise for the ball.

It could not have been much closer between the teams after 30 minutes of football, though Christopher's will have considered themselves to be fortunate to take the break one goal to the good.  Galway worked hard in defence with corner back Niall Freeman doing a tight job on Chris Brady.  Wing forward Mark Kenny covered a lot of ground across the 40, while Conor McGreanor proved a handful at corner forward.  Galway netted early in the half with a well worked goal from David Drake after McGreanor beat his man and found Drake at the far post.  Christopher's however made the most of their scoring chances and did more than keep pace.  A penalty after Chris Brady was pulled down canceled out the Galway goal.  Brady took it himself and slid the ball low to the far corner.  After Barry Coffey pointed twice for Galway, Brady and Mike Quinlivan added one each for Christopher's.  Then came the blow to Galway's gut just before the break.  After missing a good goal chance, Jarvey Toner finished a well worked move with a goal from inside the 14 yard line to put Christopher's one goal to the good, 2-4 to 1-4.

Lucey tries to drive past Tony Murphy.

The second period saw a much improved performance from Christopher's.  Their cause was helped by an early penalty that was awarded after Brady was seen being held in the penalty area by his marker.  For the second time in the game Brady slotted the kick home.  In fact, the first 4 points in the Christopher's column were scored by the Killarney man, three from frees .  Galway removed Kenny from the fray and in came Bob Keane who made an immediate impact.  Keane pointed twice and then it was Galway's turn to find the net with another goal from Drake after Ferghal Durkan made a run from his wing back berth.  Five points in it now, but Christopher's picked up their game and answered with three points on the trot from Paul Nolan, Jason Lonergon, and Brady.  With hope for the Tribesmen fading fast, it was extinguished after Tony Murphy was shown red card for his part in contesting a throw up.  Christopher's saw it through to the final whistle with Galway players and mentors having to be restrained as they expressed displeasure with some of the decisions by referee James Trimble.

Christopher's:  P. Kenneally, C. Davies, E. O'Neill, D. Culhane, M. Mennis, G. O'Leary, P. Lucey (0-1), D. Kenneally, S. Power, J. Toner (1-0), J. Lonergan (0-1), M. Quinlivan (0-1), C. Brady (2-8).  Sub:  J. Kenneally (1-0), P. Nolan (0-1).  Galway:  M. O'Connor, F. Durkan (0-1), J. Kehoe (0-1), D. Reddin, T. Murphy, J. Campbell, B. Coffey (0-4), K. Cummins (0-1), M. Kenny, D. Drake (2-0), C. McGreanor.  Sub: B. Keane (0-2).

By Rory O'Donnell

June 29 - Senior Football: Donegal v Kerry

Donegal 1-13 Kerry 1-11

Kerry were brought back to earth after being beaten by a previously winless Donegal.  Kerry lined out without the injured Stephen Cunningham at center back and lacked the drive and energy that we saw last Sunday against the Shannon Blues.  Donegal got off to a great start and kept the pressure on for almost the entire game, coming away with their first win of the season and still in with a shout for the playoffs in August.

Ryan Rafferty and David Larkin contest the loose ball.

The name on everyone's lips after the first 15 minutes was Ryan Rafferty.  The Armagh native caused numerous problems for the Kerry defence with his speed and intelligent running, and his teammates played the ball well into his corner.  Rafferty followed his opening point with a goal after the Kerry defence was sliced open.  Shortly afterwards the Orchard county man was pulled from behind in the penalty area.  It was Gary Maguire who took the kick, but put it well over the bar as he got under it.  Shane Brennan stretched the Donegal lead to 6 points, it could have been 8, with Kerry yet to score.  The Kingdom eventually got into the game with a point after 13 minutes from Shane O'Callaghan followed by another from Aaron Hickey.  But Donegal's fast start had legs and the northerners quickly cancelled out the Kerry scores with points from Sean Kelly and Michael Cannon.  In addition to Rafferty in the corner, Aaron Connolly was a huge addition for Donegal in the middle of the field winning plenty of ball for the Tír Chonaill side.  Kerry got the goal back with a fisted effort from Darragh O'Brien, and O'Brien almost had a second but for a good save from goalkeeper, Sean Connolly.  At the break Donegal led by three points, 1-7 to 1-4 and one wondered would Kerry step up their game in the second period.



It was tough going at the other end for Niall Sheehy
and Kerry as Donegal played it tight.

Donegal added to the lead in the second half the sides traded points early, but Donegal slotted three points over the bar with no reply, Cannon capping off the salvo with 20 minutes gone.  It was only with defeat staring them in the face that Kerry came to life.  Joe Fitzpatrick led the charge with three points in quick succession.  The Cork native from St. Finbarr's tried to lift his teammates to a strong finish.  Kerry had a couple of chances steal a win after they crept within 2 points and Donegal had their backs to the wall.  One chance went over the bar and another into the keepers arms after being mishit.  Donegal off the mark with a win, and Kerry having to get most likely four points from three tough games to have hopes of making the playoffs.

Donegal:  S. Connolly, M. Canning, S. Tim, A. Williams, P. Moynagh, G. Gallagher, A. Connolly, S. Brennan, M. Cannon, P. Quigg, G. Maguire, S. Kelly, R. Raferty.  Kerry:  P. Bailey, S. Driscoll, D. Larkin, E, Mullan, D. Dunne, D. Clifford, I. Whelan, A. Hickey, J. Fitzpatrick, R. Kennedy, S. O'Callaghan, N. Sheehy, D. O'Brien.

By Rory O'Donnell

June 30 - Ladies Senior Football: Tir na nOg v Boston Shamrocks

Tír na nÓg 3-7 Boston Shamrocks 4-10

Boston Shamrocks recorded their first win in the Ladies football championship over a Tír na nÓg side that battled hard but were one step behind their opponents for most of the game.  The Shamrocks got great performances from Sharon McGovern who in the second half mopped up a lot in the middle of the field, Clodagh McGovern up front, and Hazel Kingham in the middle of the field.  Caroline Nee and Sinead Bannon tried to lead their side to a late rally but the Shamrocks were good value for the 6 point win in the end.

Jackie Moran Shoots...

After trading points the Boston Shamrocks took the initiative with a goal from Clodagh "Mango" McGovern.  Kingham's low shot was saved by Fiona Gohery, but McGovern was quick to the rebound and managed to get her left foot to force the ball over the line.  Shamrocks followed with three points on the trot from Kingham, Sharon McGovern, and Clodagh McGovern.  Tír na nÓg needed a lift and they got it from Caroline Nee who took her side on her shoulders.  Nee pointed twice, once from a free and was involved in a third that was scored by Christine Kelly.  Then Nee turned in a shot from Kiara Brogan to propel her side into a one point lead.  The Shamrocks had the answer however.  At the other end it was Clodagh McGovern doing the damage.  McGovern found Rebecca Kelly with a pass and Kelly netted from 14 yards.  The Waterford native was then pulled down for a penalty that was slotted home by Kingham, and the Shamrocks once again had the initiative.  As Tír na nÓg pressed for something before the break Edel McGovern stood solid in the middle of defence to prevent a further score.  At the break it was 3-4 to 1-5 in the Shamrocks favour.

...but Edel McGovern bursts out of defence.

The Shamrocks added to their lead to get matters going after the break.  Rebecca Kelly, Sinead Woods, and Kingham extended the gap to 8 points.  The Shamrocks continued to keep the opposition forward line quiet, Brittany Lockwood in particular doing well at corner back, and played the ball well out of defence.  Sharon McGovern played a deeper role and left two corner forwards for the Shamrocks to target.  But there was life in Tír na nÓg yet.  Maggie Sayers and Nee pointed for the Brighton team before Jackie Moran struck with a goal.  Immediately afterwards Nee was pulled down in the penalty area and expertly put the spot kick away herself to reduce the deficit to 5 points with time still on the clock.  Woods restored the Shamrocks lead to six, and there was no more time for a late comeback.  Two points for the Shamrocks while Tír na nÓg to face Connacht Ladies in their next outing.

Tír na nÓg:  F. Gohery, N. O'Neill, A. O'Leary, C. Hanley, K. Coombes, J. Davoran, M. Murphy, K. Brogan, J. Brady (0-1), S. Bannon, J. Moran (1-1), C. Nee (2-3), E. Kasey, C. Kelly (0-1), M. Sayers (0-1).  Shamrocks:  A. Cross, B. Lockwood, E, McGovern, L. Quinn, F. Considine, R. McHugh, O. Cullinan, S. Carroll, H. Kingham (0-4), K. Scanlon, R. Kelly (1-1), L. O'Brien, C. McGovern (2-1), S. Woods (0-2), S. McGovern (0-1).

By Rory O'Donnell

June 29 - Junior A1 Football: Aidan McAnespies v Cork

Aidan McAnespies 1-5 Cork 0-11

Cork added two points to their total in the junior A1 football division with a well earned win over Aidan McAnespies.  After handing McAnespies a goal that might as well have been gift wrapped with a ribbon on top, Cork got to work and picked off the points to take the lead before half time and make it safe as the 60 minutes approached.

Benny Morgan gives chase to Eoin O'Donovan

After Cork got into an early two points to one lead, and looked like they were beginning to get into a groove, the rebels suffered a brain freeze in defence and found themselves behind.  Cork were awarded a free out in front of their own goal and the quickly taken kick went right into the hands of Barry Smith on the 14 yard line.  Smith dished to Johnny McGourty who buried the shot and might have been thinking of sending a thank you card to Mike Carolan.  As it happened Cork recovered well and continued to work the ball well into the forward line through Jack Lynch and Paddy Minihane.  The rebels ended the half with three points from Minihane, Danny Donovan, and Mike Moynihan.  McAnespies kept in touch with a nicely taken point from Shane Lynn to keep it a one point game at the break, Cork 0-5 McAnespies 1-2.

Neil Donaghy charges forward for McAnespies.

The second half saw McAnespies come out strong for the first 15 minutes as they took the game to their opponents.  Neil Donaghy, Smith, and Enda Hamill were all over the kickouts and the northerners kept pace on the scoreboard, though could have been ahead but for some missed frees.  Goalkeeper Ryan McCrystal was called upon to convert from inside 30 yards on two occasions, one was over and a second went wide.  Cork struggled to get their game going and though many balls were swept up by McAnespie defenders, the rebels managed three points to maintain their lead.  Moynihan and Minihane converted between them.  After Cork keeper, Kieran Reid, made two good saves there was encouragement for the Corkmen and the passes started to find their men again.  Daniel Hazell popped up twice for points and Cork led by three as injury time approached.  There were disappointing scenes that spoiled what was a great game of football.  An incident as the ball was being kicked out led to an on field brawl involving most of the players and some of the mentors.  The end result was mentors from each side sent to the stands and red cards for Peadar Nugent, Neil Donaghy and Eoin O'Donovan.  The game ended shortly afterwards, with Cork getting a good win but with spectators left with the unsavory scenes in their minds.

Cork:  K. Reid, E. Barry, M. Carolan, E. O'Donovan (0-1), S. McGarr, D. Kearns, P. Minihane (0-2), J. Lynch, D. Hazell (0-2), M. Lyons (0-1), D. O'Donovan (0-2), L. Barden, M. Moynihan (0-3).  Macs:  R. McCrystal (0-1), E. Boland, M. Bogue, G. McAlinden (0-1), J. Flaherty, B. Morgan, C. Dempsey, N. Donaghy (0-1), B. Smith, J. McGourty (1-1), E. Hamill, S. Lynn (0-1), P. Nugent.

 

By Rory O'Donnell